Southbank Institute of Technology becomes statutory institute

Southbank Institute of Technology today became the first statutory institute in Queensland’s TAFE network, enabling Queensland TAFE students for the first time to be able to access loans to pay part or all of their tuition fees.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the institute was the first public training provider in Queensland to take advantage of reforms made in November last year to the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000.

“Southbank’s move to a statutory institute represents a milestone in reforms to the vocational education and training sector under the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan,” Mr Welford said.

“Statutory TAFE institutes will be better equipped to make timely commercial decisions, achieve greater commercial growth and develop their training capacity and capability.

“Students will continue to receive the same high-quality vocational education and training by dedicated teachers and staff, with the added advantage of access to Commonwealth VET FEE-HELP assistance for those who are eligible.

“Southbank Institute of Technology will act on behalf of all TAFE Queensland institutes to offer VET FEE-HELP assistance to eligible students, which is expected to come into effect during the second half of 2008.”

It is anticipated that students eligible for Commonwealth VET FEE-HELP assistance will include full-fee-paying VET students undertaking diplomas and advanced diplomas (with a credit transfer arrangement toward a higher education award), graduate diplomas and graduate certificates.

“The move to the statutory authority model will allow institutes to respond better to local industry and community needs through location-specific operational plans,” Mr Welford said.

“Statutory TAFE institutes will have the autonomy and business acuity to meet local customer needs, be innovative, continually improve processes and deliver a financially sustainable organisation.

“A vibrant and robust public provider and a thriving private sector will guarantee Queensland’s workforce matches the needs of industry and our vocational education and training system remains world-class.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000